The mission of John the Baptizer:

“Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight”.

Mark 1:3

The one going on ahead of the Messiah is there to set things up for him. Make things easier.

The implication is, of course, that the paths are not straight. So they must be curvy. Maybe hilly or even treacherous. John; that guy is out there landscaping, terraforming, making a way where there is no way. So the Messiah can just show up.

What the messenger does, however, is offer the people a message. Repent. Turn. Confess. And become new. In baptism.

John also proclaims that he’s only the opening act. And the main event will be even more spectacular.